First Herring Brook Reservoir Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 19, 2025
Located in Scituate, Massachusetts, the First Herring Brook Reservoir Dam stands as a crucial structure for water supply purposes in the region.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Constructed in 1969, this earth dam with a height of 21.5 feet serves to store up to 1210 acre-feet of water, with a normal storage capacity of 500 acre-feet. The dam overlooks the First Herring Brook river and covers a surface area of 0.13 square miles within a drainage area of 4.5 square miles.
Managed by the local government, the dam is regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Massachusetts, ensuring its structural integrity and compliance with state regulations. With a high hazard potential rating and a satisfactory condition assessment as of December 2017, the First Herring Brook Reservoir Dam plays a vital role in water resource management for the surrounding communities. Climate enthusiasts and water resource specialists alike can appreciate the significance of this dam in maintaining a stable water supply and mitigating potential risks associated with its operation.
Year Completed |
1969 |
Dam Length |
700 |
Dam Height |
21.5 |
River Or Stream |
FIRST HERRING BROOK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
0.13 |
Hydraulic Height |
15 |
Drainage Area |
4.5 |
Nid Storage |
1210 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
22 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.
Hazard Potential Classification
HighDams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.
First Herring Brook Reservoir Dam
Bridge Street Norwell